Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow—the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It occurs when the bone marrow starts making abnormal white blood cells, which grow uncontrollably and crowd out healthy blood cells. This affects the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and control bleeding.

Types of Leukemia

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Common in children, progresses quickly.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Affects myeloid cells, fast-growing, seen in adults and children.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Develops slowly, usually in older adults.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Caused by abnormal growth of myeloid cells, slower progression.

Symptoms

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Frequent infections
• Fever and night sweats
• Easy bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums
• Bone or joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
• Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

• Blood tests (Complete Blood Count)
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Genetic and molecular tests to classify type and severity